Simple Carbohydrates Don't Belong In a Simple Candida Diet

Simple carbohydrates can be the enemy of anyone with Candida or yeast infection symptoms.

But, it also can be the enemy of anybody who eats too many of them.

The Candida Albicans yeast thrives on sugars. Our bodies quickly turn simple carbs into sugar that feeds the Candida and yeast.

It becomes a vicious circle because if we eat too many simple sugars, our bodies quickly become conditioned to wanting more and more simple carbohydrates.

We end up craving breads, sugars, chocolate, processed foods and other simple carbs all the time.

For some people who are more carbohydrate sensitive, any simple carbs will throw your system in a tailspin.

A diet filled with simple sugar carbs will make you battle with cravings, especially sugar cravings, mood swings, weight problems, energy ups and downs and Candida yeast troubles.

Carbohydrates make up one of the macronutrients in our diets. The three macronutrients we need are carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Carbs provide calories in our diets, energy for all our bodies' cells such as your brain and muscles, and energy for exercise

Carbohydrates are processed into blood sugar which is called glucose. Glucose is used to fuel our bodies.

There are simple or complex carbohydrates, depending on the chemical structure of them.

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbs:

Examples molasses, milk, honey, sugar, cane juice, syrup, candy, cake, white flour baked goods, white pastas, pop, packaged cereals, fruit juice, sweetened yogurt, some fruits i.e. watermelon

If you do decide to eat simple carbs. Eat them sparingly, if at all (especially if you are following a yeast infection/anti-candida diet).

Try to eat fruits rather than fruit juice.

Eat whole foods instead of processed foods which are high in sugar. For example, whole grain bread instead of brown bread.

Many nutritionists recommend eliminating sugar and drastically reducing the amount of other simple carbohydrates.

Eating too much of highly refined foods has been associated with a higher showing of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and of course, Candida.

As well, eating too many simple carbohydrates is linked to obesity.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates

Examples: whole grain breads, whole grain, unprocessed cereals, vegetables, whole grain pastas and legumes, fruits

40-60 percent of our total calories should come from carbohydrates. Try to make the majority of these complex carbohydrates.

Too often, people mistakenly eat low carbs or go on no carb diets.

Our bodies need carboyhdrates for energy and if you don't eat enough of them you are not giving your body what it needs.

In order to truly fight Candida and yeast overgrowth, you need to help your body be strong and keep a healthy immune system. Complex carbohydrates help your body stay healthy. Simple carbohydrates can depress your immune system and tax your body.

What to do?

Start to read labels Avoid sugar, sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, white flour or wheat flour, and corn syrup.

Choose "natural state" foods Shop from the outside aisles of the supermarket. Less packaged, less processed is good. Make it as close to what you'd find in nature as possible. Whole grains, whole fruit, whole food. This will fill you up for longer and give you fewer cravings.

Follow an anti-Candida diet The yeast infection diet is a great way to focus on eating no sugar, eating more complex carbohydrates, and supporting healthy eating habits. In fact, there are many more diets, or nutrition plans, that emphasize eating balanced diets. Find one that works for you. One that appeals to you. And, one that is focused on complex carbs, healthy proteins, good fats, and limited simple carbohydrates.

Don't forget to use and build your knowledge of the glycemic index. Higher glycemic foods tend to be simple carbohydrates. Keeping the glycemic index in mind will truly help you "get" what types of food to eat or not eat.

Simple carbohydrates don't have to be your enemy.

Tell us about your Candida diet recipes and experiences. Read what other's say about their nutrition.

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